We are pleased to announce that the Scottish Infected Blood Psychology Service (SIBPS) is now accepting referrals.
The service provides psychological support to people who have been infected with hepatitis C and/or HIV through NHS blood transfusions and blood products received in Scotland. The psychology service also supports family members, bereaved family members, and other loved ones who have been affected.
The service has a national remit, so can support people across Scotland and elsewhere in the world if they or their relative received infected whole blood or blood products in Scotland. Usually, support will be provided by remote consultation (secure video conference or telephone) with an option for face-to-face sessions if deemed more appropriate.
To access the service, you can self-refer or be referred by a clinician by completing a self-referral form. You can access a form on their website www.sibps.scot.nhs.uk or by calling the psychology department on 0131 537 9128.
This service is separate from the psychological support services that are provided within haemophilia centres. Those service will continue as normal. In this new service, they can work with anyone affected by contaminated blood given in Scotland, whether or not they have an inherited bleeding disorder. They are not connected to a specific medical team.
If you have any questions about the service or feel unsure about whether you should self-refer, you can phone 0131 537 9128 and a clinician will call you back.
Please visit their website for more information: www.sibps.scot.nhs.uk